Since the Invisible Zinc 50+ version of their usual Water Resistant Sunscreen became available some time last year, it has become my go-to sunscreen for long runs. It’s very similar to the original 4hr Water Resistant SPF 30+ in terms of formulation, skin feel, and performance on the skin- but with 27% Zinc Oxide, instead of 22%.

Just like the original, the SPF 50+ version uses mineral sunscreen blockers only- Zinc Oxide is the gold standard for broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, photostability, and safety (no hormone disruption or sensitization which can be associated with certain chemical sunscreen ingredients). Because it has a higher Zinc percentage, the SPF and UVA protection is better than the original- but due to the heavier texture, it is very much a sports sunscreen.

This formulation is definitely not designed for every day wear- it has a noticable white cast, the texture is very thick (thicker than the 30+ version), and it has a shiny finish. None of these things matter when you’re out for a run – all I want from my sunscreen is something that will go the distance (pun intended) and protect me the entire hour or two I’m sweating it out. And the Invisible Zinc 50+ Water Resistant sunscreen does the job easily and I don’t have to worry about poor photostability at all. This stuff hangs on until you scrub it off in the shower with steel wool- or alternatively OCM and a washcloth

My next review will be the Dermalogica Ultra Calming Sensitive Shield SPF 30+ – which is a great everyday sunscreen. Stay tuned!